Mexico

Mariana Castillo Class of 2016

Undergraduate school/major: I have a degree from the Universidad Iberoamericana, with a major in Economics

Previous Industry: Before coming to Booth I was doing asset management for the Central Bank of Mexico

Career plans: After my MBA I plan to work for Private Equity or Venture Capital in Mexico

Why did you choose to apply to and attend Booth? The possibility of taking classes with world renowned professors and Nobel laureates was incredibly appealing to me. The flexibility that the curriculum offers allowed me to take classes in themes that interest me outside of Booth, leveraging the University's resources and also to cater my MBA to make it completely personal. The other major factor that helped me chose Booth was how accessible everyone is, the openness and friendliness of all community members who are eager to help you out, and answer any questions or concerns was refreshing.

Activities: Member of the Private Equity Group, Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship Group, Latin American Business Group

Use three adjectives to describe your experience at Chicago Booth: Transformational, exhilarating, challenging

Luis De la Cerda Class of 2016

Undergraduate school/major: I hold a B.S. in Finance with a minor in Applied Mathematics from Northern Illinois University.

Previous Industry: Technology

Career plans: I'm currently recruiting for consulting in the West Coast and Latin America. Returning to the tech industry is also an option.

Why did you choose to apply to and attend Booth? I chose Booth because it had everything I wanted in an MBA program: a world-class brand that would allow me to explore different industries and switch career paths if desired; a challenging curriculum that could be tailored to my interests and career goals; a world-leading faculty; and a down-to-earth, friendly, and inspiring community; not to mention the opportunity to live in the wonderful city of Chicago. Despite my grand expectations, Booth has managed to exceed them in every way.

Activities: Member of the Management Consulting Group, Technology Group, Booth Hacks, Public Speaking and Communications Group, Latin American Business Group, and Booth Soccer Club.

Use three adjectives to describe your experience at Chicago Booth: Life-changing, exciting, and fulfilling

Ask me about...: MBA World Cup; recruiting for consulting and technology at the same time; how many clubs to join at Booth; moving to Chicago with your significant other.

What city/country will you be in during the winter break? Guadalajara, Mexico

Juan Carlos Velasquez Class of 2015

Career plans: I am currently focusing on entrepreneurship and technology.

Why did you choose to apply to and attend Booth? There are three reasons: people, people, and people. To start, you have an unreal group of faculty that cover the whole business spectrum. There is a culture of “say it, prove it and do it” that emanates from all teachers and really sticks to you going forward. Then, you have an incredible group of peers from all corners of the world. Students at Booth are incredibly talented and humble at the same time. Last but not least, Booth opens up the doors to its huge network of alumni. The greater Booth family is incredibly close and starting a new relationship is only a phone call away. Looking back, it’s like you didn't know you could meet so many incredible people but now you cannot imagine your life without them.

Activities: I am an active member of the Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Group. This group attracts all sorts of fascinating personalities that want to create a dent in the world. The flow of revolutionary ideas and new businesses is really exciting and never gets old. In addition, if you have a remote interest in entrepreneurship there is nothing like the New Venture Challenge. I am also a member of the Triathlon and Running Group. There are few metropolitan runs that beat running along Lake Michigan with the Chicago skyline in the horizon. Regardless of whether you are a runner or not attending the Chicago Marathon is a must.

Use three adjectives to describe your experience at Chicago Booth: Fast, challenging and eye-opening